Tracy Morgan on How He Made It Through His Recovery: ‘I’m Still Here for a Reason’

Tracy Morgan has spent much of this year recovering from the fatal crash that claimed the life of his friend Jimmy Mack and left the former 30 Rock star in a prolonged coma. In an emotional interview with Barbara Walters as part of her 10 Most Fascinating People of 2015special, Morgan opened up about what it took to get through recovery. The comedian noted that the crash has given him a sense of purpose, strengthening his focus on his family. “I survived that crash for a reason,” he told Walters. “I’m still here for a reason. I guess my room wasn’t ready.”

Morgan also revealed that he regretted missing Saturday Night Live’s fortieth anniversary special — though, further into his recovery, he did eventually host a homecoming episode of the show — and noted that he still looks forward to continuing with comedy. “You want to know what happiness is?” He told Walters, “Simply having something to look forward to.” And what does Tracy Morgan look forward to? “Grabbing a mic, to going home and seeing my daughter and my wife: All of that makes me smile, so it makes me happy.” Morgan has plans to go back on tour in February.